Grantham Running Club take part in the third fixture of the North Midlands Cross-Country League at Shipley Park in Heanor

Several hardy members of Grantham Running Club ventured to Shipley Park in Heanor to take part in the third fixture of the North Midlands Cross-Country League.

Run around parkland with a few hilly sections and a short stretch through woodland, the event was a proper cross country experience.

The weather was wet and very windy and this, along with already waterlogged ground, made for a very testing course which was bumpy underfoot with several extremely muddy patches and even a small mud bath at the bottom of one hill.

In the ladies race, despite the challenging conditions, Marj Spendlow and Sarah High both put in strong runs in their 7.4K, two lap course.

Sarah finished first for GRC in a time of 41.47 for third in her age group while Marj followed shortly after in 41.56. The ladies team remain in fifth position overall in the league.

The men's team acquitted themselves well in their 10K race against a strong and competitive field of 174 participants.

The ever-impressive Russel Whittaker led the team home after finishing in a time of 43.44.

Peter Jennings put in strong performance to finish second for GRC and seventh in his age category.

Craig Drury ran a determined race, finishing strongly in third place for the club, and was followed by Andrew MacAllister who brought the team home.

Despite the tough conditions, it was another enjoyable afternoon of cross country.